Sounds like the OP is set on not taking the train, but for anyone else I'd highly recommend the Pacific Surfliner south from Santa Barbara. That first hour from SB to Ventura is postcard scenic. California guidebook scenic. Make sure you try to get a window on the ocean side of the train to get the best view.
I think the word is starting to get out to the locals more and more. The electronic freeway signs started to announce the freeway closure two weekends ago. The signs have only been showing this warning on the weekends, but I imagine that will step up as we get closer. And I'm sure the local media will hype up "carmageddon" increasingly over the next week. At work, there was a company-wide email sent last week about it, so it's been the talk in the office. I have two co-workers who work on the Westside where this section of the 405 is closed and they plan to stay in and go nowhere that weekend lol.
I live in Sherman Oaks too! Pretty much right where the 101 and 405 meet. I'm not looking forward to this weekend at all. I have to assume our local surface streets will be packed with vehicles having to detour as this is the northern end of the 405 closure.
TinkerKat, unfortunately, I think Universal visitors like yourself will be *most affected* by this freeway closure, more so than Disneyland visitors. Why? Universal is along the 101 Fwy, which is the closest N-to-S freeway alternate to the closed section of the 405. This closure/detour map (.pdf file) shows the section of the 405 that will be closed and you'll see that the 101 is indicated as the primary detour. Universal Studios is just north of where it says "West Hollywood" on the map. Do you have flexibility in your schedule for an alternate day for Universal? Disneyland (or some other activity) on the 17th would be easier to get to from Manhattan Beach than Universal. It's something to think about.
You might be lucky. Santa Monica is where the 405 re-opens at the southern end of the closure. If you have a smartphone, you can check Google Maps traffic or Sigalert.com and monitor the conditions in the afternoon. You may not run into too much craziness, but I don't really know. As an alternate route, you can take Lincoln Blvd (also marked in parts as SR 1 Pacific Coast Highway) all the way from Santa Monica to LAX. In normal traffic, I've done this drive (Lincoln Blvd.) in about 20-25 minutes depending on how many lights I hit. To be safe--in case traffic is really horrendous--give yourself an hour to make the drive. Any other locals think this sounds about right?
AustinTink, you're much luckier. The section of the 405 that is closing is far away to the north and west of Disneyland. Your drive to San Diego won't be affected by this construction. BUT, the 15th is a Friday and San Diego is a popular weekend destination for Angelenos. The drive on the I-5 South is notorious for congestion on both Fridays and Saturdays. Just bring lots of patience for your trip. If you can leave early in the day on the 15th, that would be my one recommendation. Good luck with the rest of your trip planning!
